115 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Stillwater, Oklahoma features several lakefront camping options with both developed and primitive sites. Lake Carl Blackwell, located eight miles west of Stillwater, offers cabins, RV sites, and tent camping with access to fishing and water activities. Lake McMurtry, just north of the city, provides east and west campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Cedar Crest RV Park and Cowboy Camp Upscale RV Park offer more developed options within city limits for travelers seeking full hookups and convenient access to Oklahoma State University and downtown attractions.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during Oklahoma State University events and football games when rates increase significantly. The region experiences hot summers and occasional severe storms, with flooding sometimes affecting lakeside campsites. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal factors influence camping conditions. Several locations require advance booking through online reservation systems, with Lake McMurtry's sites often filling up quickly. As one camper noted, "The west side is our favorite place to camp within 60 miles of Stillwater, but it is hard to get reservations. They have a very nice online reservation system, but the campsites fill up quickly and pretty far out date wise."
Many campers highlight the relative privacy of Lake McMurtry's west side campgrounds, where sites are partially screened by brush and offer direct lake access for fishing and kayaking. Lake Carl Blackwell receives positive reviews for its well-maintained grounds and friendly staff, though visitors note the presence of many annual permit holders with permanent setups along prime shoreline locations. Reviewers frequently mention the region's active wildlife, including birds and fish, while cautioning about ticks during warmer months. Several primitive camping options exist for those seeking more seclusion, though these sites often lack facilities and may require four-wheel drive vehicles for access, particularly after rain when sandy soil conditions can make roads challenging to navigate.
"The lake is owned and operated by Oklahoma State University. The grounds were well mowed, some of the structures are dated but well cared for. Super-friendly and helpful people at the permit office."
"I've been to Lake Carl Blackwell a number of times, and that place is excellently kept. Large lake ran by OSU."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Stillwater isn't the most... scenic place in the US. Trust me, I went to school there for 5 years."
"Each (west side) campsite has access to the lake."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Nice spot near Stillwater. Great mountain bike and hiking trails. Good fishing I’m told. Frisbee golf course. Our campsite was in the RV area, shaded, water and power available."
"Four sites are near the swim area (9-12), site 9 and 10 are nearest to the toilets - which are clean, sites 1-8 are tucked back in the woods a little."
"We booked a month stay here as my family is from Stillwater. We stayed during Dec-Jan, so there was no game day craziness. The park is small, in the smack middle of town, and has minimal amenities."
"This was the perfect location. The campground is very clean. The campsites are gravel with a strip of grass. It’s not camping in the woods but it’s a perfect setup for town."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"* 32 Spacious Hookups
- 22 - Drive-through
- 10 - Back-in
- Quaint Picnic Area
- Convenient On-site Laundry and General Store
- Shower/Rest Rooms Building
- Rental Cabin
- Free Wi-Fi"
"Beautiful park surrounded by magnificent cedar trees and a fishing pond. Showers and laundry are well kept. They have a cute little General Store with vending and items to buy."
"The lake provides fishing 🎣, swimming 🏊♀️, and paddle boat 🛶. Paradise for nature loving living."
"The park is on a private spring-fed lake that has good fishing and is a perfect size for my kayak. Full hook-ups and WiFi is good. Verizon worked well. Laundry on-site but we didn't use it."
"We are excited to have Hadley Lake RV Park, they are in a quiet setting and have walking trails for afternoon strolls. "
from $14 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Lakeside access, fire pit, clothes hangar, no other campsites nearby, good forest cover, it’s great."
from $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWhat a great place to stay! We scheduled a 4 night stay and liked it so much we stayed 3 more nights. All the sites are spacious with level concrete pads, full hook ups, 30 and 50 amp service, and plenty of space for the toad. There’s a water and ice machines on the property and also a clubhouse with a pool table.
ScoutThe Park is new and very clean, with a focus on providing everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The sites are large, with long cement pads for parking a long Motorhome; and space in front for a tow vehicle. The "clubhouse" has a pool table and multiple TV's for watching sports, and VERY luxurious bathrooms with showers. It also includes a dog park and a great dog wash for furry family members. Ice and Propane are available on-site, and great BBQ is just down the road.
It was a great place to stay, and the Owner's were wonderful to work with.
ScoutWhat a great place to stay! Huge sites all with level cement slabs and 30 and 50 amp fhu. Great air conditioned clubhouse with a pool table. Ice and water machine in the park too
ScoutGreat campsite about 20 minutes from campus, they had my permit set out for me. Very nice scenery. In spot 14 with a 35 foot trailer. A little work to get level. Also pretty tight backing up.
TravelerI came here, I usually go to BLM sites but this said it had showers, they were out of order. Staying, the bathroom had running water so... Campsites are close together but it wasn't crowded.
ScoutAs the owner of Lazy Dave’s RV Resort, I’m proud of the quiet, clean community we’ve created near Guthrie, Edmond, Arcadia, and Oklahoma City. We offer spacious full-hookup sites, blacktop roads, high-speed fiber internet, laundry, private showers and bathrooms, propane service, ice, and The Lookout recreation center. We welcome overnight guests as well as monthly and extended-stay campers. Our goal is simple: provide a friendly, comfortable place where travelers feel at home. We look forward to welcoming you!
GuideWe had a great stay! Our first site’s electricity wasn’t working, but they promptly moved us to a close spot that did have working electricity! Quiet spot, with a good view of the lake.
ScoutVery nice place
ScoutHot summer day, but nice under the shade. Our site has plenty of shade trees. The RV pad was a little low on one side. It's a well-kept campground with a boat ramp, dock, and bait shop nearby.
Stillwater, Oklahoma offers numerous camping spots within a 15-mile radius of the city, from lakeside primitive sites to full-service RV parks. The region sits at approximately 984 feet above sea level with rolling prairie terrain punctuated by two main recreational lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Mountain biking trails: Lake McMurtry features extensive trail systems for various skill levels. "Lake McMurtry has plenty of multi-use trails however, there is no off-trail camping. These results are for day hikes only. Great for kids and getting them started in hiking or as a training ground for longer hikes. The trails are well maintained," notes Daniel R. at Lake Carl Blackwell.
Kayaking: Multiple access points around Lake McMurtry allow for easy water entry. "Hubby loves to kayak here," shares Melissa D. about Lake McMurtry West Campground. Another camper adds, "There were several fishing boats out, but no wakes or issues riding in the kayaks."
Fishing: Stocked ponds and lake access provide ample fishing opportunities. At Cedar Crest RV Park, visitors enjoy "a fishing pond" right on the property. Brixey Lake RV Park offers a "private spring-fed lake that has good fishing and is a perfect size for my kayak," according to Dennis P.
Peaceful atmosphere: Primitive sites offer more seclusion. "Nice and quiet. Had a relaxing stay," reports Bree B. about Lake McMurtry West. At Whitetail Trail - North Fork, Mason H. describes, "Nice open area for cars & tents. Site says 3 tents max but you could probably fit 5 if you park a bit farther back on the road. Lakeside access, fire pit, clothes hangar, no other campsites nearby, good forest cover."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Cedar Crest RV Park, visitors note "Showers and laundry are well kept. They have a cute little General Store with vending and items to buy." Lake McMurtry East similarly earns praise: "This campground has one of the simplest, user-friendly, online reservation site I've ever used."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple areas offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "I was practically surrounded by water. Deer, beavers, armadillo, birds! There are many different campground areas, I stayed in Pine Grove," shares Kelly G. about Lake Carl Blackwell.
Reservation requirements: Most sites fill quickly, especially during peak times. "The west side is our favorite place to camp within 60 miles of Stillwater... They have a very nice online reservation system, but the campsites fill up quickly and pretty far out date wise," notes a Lake McMurtry West camper.
Access challenges: Some primitive sites require careful vehicle planning. At Lake McMurtry West Recreation Area, Jon B. explains, "Should it rain while you are staying in either spot, the roads out could change quite a bit especially due to the sandy soil. The Lake states 4wd is required to stay at the sites and while it's not necessary when dry, I can see it being needed during/after a storm."
Price fluctuations: Rates increase significantly during OSU events. At Cowboy Camp Upscale RV Park, Jackie A. reports, "A bit pricey as they charge a flat rate plus electric usage. Significantly more expensive during OSU events and games, so plan ahead!"
Playground access: Lake McMurtry East features family amenities near tent sites. "Amenities include a playground, hiking/mtb trails, swim area, fishing dock, and a bait shop. Day use fee is $6, overnight tent fee is $10," explains Vanessa M.
Kid-friendly hiking: Trails of varying difficulties accommodate different age groups. "Lake Carl Blackwell has plenty of multi-use trails... Great for kids and getting them started in hiking or as a training ground for longer hikes," recommends Daniel R.
Cabin options: Lake Carl Blackwell offers alternative accommodations for families wanting comfort. Dana H. shares, "My husband and I rented a little cabin for an anniversary getaway. Cabin was clean, and grounds were well kept. The bed was large and comfy, and pillows were soft. There is a TV, kitchenette, and bathroom with shower."
Site spacing: Select campgrounds based on privacy needs. Neil T. notes about Lake Carl Blackwell, "No real privacy buffer between sites, but the spacing was comfortable. The park ranger made several passes through, even though the campground was only about 1/4 occupied."
Campus proximity: For OSU visitors, in-town options provide convenience. Jackie A. explains about Cowboy Camp RV Park, "The park is small, in the smack middle of town, and has minimal amenities. But it's within walking distance of campus, great food, and shopping options."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. Greg F. cautions about Lake McMurtry West: "The road access to this campground is probably the worst that I have experienced. We are pulling a 34 foot fifth wheel and the slow speed required adds another 30 minutes to what should be a five minutes."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Stillwater, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stillwater, OK is Lake Carl Blackwell with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
What parks are near Stillwater, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Stillwater, OK that allow camping, notably Arcadia Lake and Kaw Lake.
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